Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars

Name: Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 16 bars
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour; 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 cup of granulated sugar; 1/2 cup of brown sugar; 1 tsp of baking powder; 1/2 tsp of salt; 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp of vanilla extract; 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut; 1 cup of chopped cherries (fresh or frozen); 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips; 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love creating these Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars for any occasion! The combination of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and coconut creates a delightful treat that’s hard to resist. Whenever I serve these bars at gatherings, the response is always overwhelming. It's not just about the taste; the texture is a perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. Baking has never felt so rewarding, and I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Lucy Bennett

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:22:11.022Z

When I first experimented with these Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars, I wanted to make something that encapsulated my love for both chocolate and fruit. I started by melding sweet and tart cherries with creamy chocolate and flaked coconut, which led to a deliciously unique combination. The method of baking these layers separately before combining them really enhances the flavors.

I found that letting them cool completely before cutting into bars provides the perfect texture. The chocolate sets while the coconut remains chewy, making each bite a little piece of heaven. I often use dark chocolate for a richer taste, and it never disappoints!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Decadent chocolate flavor infused with tangy cherries
Chewy coconut adds the perfect texture
Great for parties, picnics, and dessert cravings

      

Achieving the Perfect Texture

The texture of these Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars is what sets them apart. The balance of chewy coconut with the rich chocolate base offers a satisfying bite. Be careful not to overmix after adding the wet ingredients; doing so can develop the gluten in the flour and result in a denser bar. Aim for a combined mixture that is just coming together. Keep an eye on your bars while baking, as oven temperatures can vary. Look for a slightly puffed top with a firm edge but still a soft center.

After the bars finish baking, allow them to cool completely. This helps to set their structure and makes cutting them into squares much easier. If you find that your bars are too fudgy after cooling, try reducing the baking time by a minute in your next batch. Conversely, if they seem too crumbly, bake them an additional minute or two. An undercooked bar can give you a gooier texture, perfect for a decadent dessert, whereas the right bake will ensure a sturdy treat!

Ingredient Insights and Substitutions

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the overall flavor and texture of the bars. The unsweetened cocoa powder is key for rich chocolatey flavor, while the sugars not only sweeten but also contribute to the moisture level. If you’re looking for an alternative to granulated sugar, consider coconut sugar or a sugar substitute that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep in mind that different sugars will impact the final color and might change the baking dynamics slightly.

For added versatility, you can also switch out the cherries for other fruits like raspberries or chopped strawberries if fresh cherries aren’t available. Frozen fruits work well too, but ensure they are thawed and drained to prevent excess moisture in the batter. If you want to make these bars vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a vegan butter alternative.

Ingredients

For the Bars

1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of brown sugar
1 tsp of baking powder
1/2 tsp of salt
1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut
1 cup of chopped cherries (fresh or frozen)

For the Topping

1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)

Instructions

Steps

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x9 inch baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Incorporate Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until just combined.

Fold in Coconut and Cherries

Gently fold in the shredded coconut and chopped cherries until evenly distributed.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Top

Let the bars cool completely in the pan. Melt the dark chocolate chips and drizzle over the cooled bars. If desired, sprinkle with chopped walnuts.

Cut into Squares

Once the chocolate has set, cut into squares and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For an added flavor boost, try using a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. This combination beautifully complements the cherries and chocolate!

Serving Suggestions

These Chocolate Cherry Coconut Bars are delightful on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of toasted coconut on top can also enhance the flavor and provide an appealing visual contrast. For special occasions or gatherings, consider drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk to add an extra touch of sweetness and shine.

If you’re sharing these bars at a picnic or party, cut them into smaller squares for easy serving and popping into your mouth. They also pack nicely for lunch boxes or as a decadent snack. To create a variety of flavors, you could experiment by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter for a hint of citrus that complements the chocolate and cherries.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These bars can be made ahead of time and stored. Once cooled, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or parchment paper, and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh at room temperature for up to four days or can be refrigerated for up to a week. If you want to keep them for an extended period, you can freeze them. Just slice them into squares before freezing, so you can pull out individual portions as needed. They can be frozen for up to three months.

When you're ready to enjoy frozen bars, simply thaw them at room temperature for about an hour or warm them gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can melt the chocolate topping too much. They’re perfect for a spontaneous treat or dessert that feels freshly baked, even after some time in the freezer!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the mixture to avoid excess moisture.

→ How should I store these bars?

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

→ Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these bars gluten-free.

→ What can I substitute for butter?

You can use melted coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative if you're looking for a lighter option.